Skinny Snacks // Chocolate Chip Cookies

Confession... I. Love. Cookies! But obviously eating cookies all the time won't allow me to be in shape. Why can't we have the best of both worlds? A yummy, chocolatey snack after lunch to satisfy your sweet tooth without completely ruining your healthy eating habits. DONE!

Feel free to substitute your favorites in this recipe, just make sure your batter in no more than 1/8 protein powder or they will have a weird rubbery, bread-like texture.

Ingredients:

§  1 large egg

§  1/2 cup of chocolate protein powder

§  1/4 cup of oat flour (I make my oat flour at home by putting old-fashioned oats in the blender)

§  1/2 tsp of baking soda

§  1/4 cup of flaked coconut

§  1/4 cup of almond milk

§  10 ground almonds

§  1/8 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1.      Preheat oven to 340 F

2.      Mix together egg, protein powder, oat flour, baking soda, coconut,almond milk, and ground almonds.

3.      Once dough is formed, stir in chocolate chips.

4.      Using a spoon, divide mixture into 12 cookies and place on a sprayed cookie sheet.

5.      Put in oven for 15-20 minutes.

6.      Remove them from the oven as soon as they cook through. It's good if they're a bit soft in the center. Make sure you don't overcook them because they'll dry up and lose their charm if you do.

***To make lower-calorie and lower-fat cookies: use oats instead of flaked coconut and cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips.

Nutrition Facts - Per cookie

Calories 75.5

Total Fat 4.8g

Total Carbs 3.2g

Protein 3.8g

ENJOY!

Logan 2 Months

I can't even believe Logan has been here for 2 months already! Sometimes it feels just like yesterday she was born and sometimes it feels like she's been here for so long. But I'm loving every second of being her mommy. 

So I'm still working on getting pictures of Logan's finished nursery, our birth story, post pregnancy workout plan and a ton of other things! Thanks for hanging in here with me - life could not be crazier - I get up for work at 4.30 - get into the office at 6 - get home from work by 5.30 - make dinner - laundry - shower - ect., ect, ect! They're all coming but not today! Lol =]

Anywho! Logan had her 2-month appt on Monday and I couldn't make it!!! ='[ when I originally scheduled it I have no idea why u scheduled it RIGHT in the middle of the day... Needless to say I couldn't get away from work and I'm feeling SO guilty about it now because she got her shots. =[ Poor honey. Aside from the shots her appointment went great! We have a healthy sweet girl! 

Age: 2 months

Height: 23 1/2 inches! She's a tall girl already! 

Weight: 12.8 pounds! 

Head: I have no idea! I'll have to ask Troy. =|

Milestones: Logan is smiling like crazy! She's swatting and grabbing her dangly toys on her playmat. She has found her voice and coos and squeals a lot. 

Sleep: She is a decent sleeper. She goes to sleep at 9 and wakes up around 4. The ped told us she should start sleeping in her crib in her own room now! Ahhh I don't think I'm ready for that yet! We're starting this weekend. 

Best Moment: I love when I come home from work, pick her up and she just snuggles on my chest. It's one of the best feelings knowing that they love you and need you b
Worst Moment: When Presley pur Great Dane ran in the house over excited and accidentally hit Logan with her tail. =[ poor honey. 

Health: She is a happy healthy baby. 

Eating: Logan is an eater. She's currently eating half breast milk, half formula. Since going back to work my milk supply has drastically dropped. I'm pumping every 2 hours but still don't get enough to completely fill her up in one feeding. 

Teeth: No teeth yet! 

IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

I always thought I was a summer lover but I'm definitely loving fall. Arizona has an almost nonexistent fall. We go from hot to cold within a couple days so I've never really invested much into my fall/winter wardrobe.. Until now! Leggings, boots and scarves are all super simple pieces that can be mixed and matched into a bunch of different looks. 

I'm wearing: 

Sweater: Willi Smith - Khol's

Top: Paper Crane - Khol's 

Leggings: H&M

Boots: JustFab.com

Watch: Michael Kors

Ring: at Marshall's RIGHT now! =]

Happy Thanksgiving!! =]

5 At-Home Post Pregnancy Workouts

Believe me, I know working out is one of the last things you want to do when you’re feeling completely exhausted and running on only a few hours of sleep. Studies have shown, however, that exercise can help you maintain energy throughout the day, relieve stress, improve your baby blues mood and aid in restoring your tummy’s muscle tone. The following circuit routines can be done in 15 minutes! You can do it!

Each of these exercises can be tailored to fit your goals. If you are new to working out, try using lighter weight. If you are used to being active, use heavier weight or increase the intensity of the repetitions or sets.

It’s important to have the OK from your doctor before starting any physical activity. I know once I got the okay, I thought I’d be able to pick back up at the gym where I left off….I was way wrong! Our bodies go through so many changes during pregnancy and delivery, and it just takes time to get all your strength back. It’s important to take it easy and not push your body too hard. To start, workout every other day and when you feel ready, bump it up to once a day.

To complete the workout, do all the moves back to back with 10 seconds of rest between. Repeat the circuit 3 times. 

Day 1

Squat jumps: 10 reps

 Lunges: 10 reps, each side

 Dumbbell shoulder press: 10 reps

 Triceps dips: 10 reps

 Dumbbell biceps curls: 10 reps

 Woodchopper: 10 reps each side

Day 2

Forward and back leg swings: 10 reps each side

 Dumbbell straight-leg deadlift to row: 15 reps

 Turkish get-up with dumbbell: 10 reps

 Push-ups: 10 reps

 Stability ball back extension: 10-15 reps

 Split jump: 10 reps

 Reverse crunch: 10 reps

 Tuck crunch: 10-20 reps

Day 3 

Around the world lunges: 2 min

 Reverse flyes: 10 reps each arm

 Dumbbell triceps extension: 10 reps

 Hammer curl: 10 reps

 Stability ball crunch: 15 reps

 Side jackknife: 15 reps each side

 Plank: 1 min

 Toe touchers: 10 reps

Day 4

Dumbbell squats: 15 reps

 Standing Calf raises: 10 reps

 Dumbbell pull-overs on a bench: 10 reps 

 Triceps Dumbbell kickbacks: 10 reps

 Dumbbell woodchops: 10 reps each side

 Crunches: 15 reps

 Back extension: 8 to 10 reps

Day 5

Simulated jump rope: 60 seconds

 Dumbbell deadlifts: 10 reps

 Dumbbell shoulder presses: 10 reps

 Dumbbell biceps curls: 10 reps

 Bench dips: 10 reps

 Dumbbell flyes on stability ball: 10 reps

 Oblique crunches: 10-15 reps, each side 

 Plank: 60 seconds

Its Boot Season!

I got these beauties in the mail yesterday! I LOVE! 

Arizona's "winter" is here and gone before we know it so when it's cold enough to justify wearing boots I'm in! 

& Other Stories // Nude Lamé

I officially have a lipstick obsession! Who would have thought?! I'm normally a chapstick kinda girl. My most recent lipstick addition is this & Other Stories Nude Lamé Moisturizing Lipstick.  It's a long lasting sheer lipstick with added moisturizers. So perfect! 

& Other Stories Nude Lamé Moisturizing Lipstick* | £12 | Link

Even if you're not a fan of nude lipsticks definitely check out their other shades, because the moisturizing agents in this lipstick make for amazing soft lips. 

The only problemo is unless you're in Europe, you have to shop online. Which is truly no problem at all because they have tons of amazing shoes, bags and clothing available too!  

Enjoy this sweet new gem! 💋

Skinny Drinks // Hazelnut Macchiato

I'm cookoo for macchiato!! But a daily trip to Starbucks can get spendy. Make it at home for half the calories and a fraction of the cost. (Can you tell that I'm in sales?) =] 

Starbuck's drink contains espresso, freshly steamed milk with vanilla syrup and finished with hazelnut drizzle. This skinny version uses hazelnut coffee, sugar free vanilla syrup, fat-free steamed milk. I skipped the whip cream and chocolate syrup to spare some calories. Who wants to drink all their calories?! Each skinny drink has 55 calories and 1 gram of fat. Don't worry, you won't need any spiffy equipment to make this tasty drink.  All you need is a blender or a whisk.

Ingredients for Coffee:


1 cup (8 oz) hazelnut coffee or decaf, You can use a K-cup or brew your favorite hazelnut coffee
½ cup fat-free milk
1 tablespoon Torani Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup or Starbucks Sugar Free Syrup

Instructions
1. Brew coffee. 
2. In a saucepan, whisk together milk and vanilla syrup over medium heat, stirring until steaming. Remove from heat. Transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don’t have a blender just whisk the mixture continuously with a wire whisk until foamy.
3. Pour into a large mug. Add the hot coffee on top. 
4. Drink immediately. Enjoy!
It's delicious hot but if you're anything like me, you'll love it cold better! Throw (not literally =]) some ice cubes on top of your mixture and enjoy your cool refreshing beverage. =]
Have you tried Starbuck's Hazelnut Macchiato? 

Rimmel // Lipstick Review

On my face above: Maybelline FIT me! Foundation in shade #220, Elf Clarifying Pressed Powder in 'Light Beige',  Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 'Sun Bronze' Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in 'Hazel', Elf Natural Eyes Beauty Book on my lids, Jesse's Girl Liquid Eye Liner on upper lash line, Wet N Wild eye liner in 'Dark Brown' on lower lash line, Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara in 'Blackest Black', Rimmel Matte Lipstick 

I'm really happy with this shade overall. It makes me feel tan and sun kissed. =] 

Have you tried any Rimmel Products?

Eat Clean // Meal Plan

The key to weight loss success is establishing a healthy lifestyle. I don't believe in fad diets - sure they work temporarily but diets aren't realistic, long term solutions. Your body has specific needs, especially when you're working out. 

Here's a good meal plan to get you started on a healthy path. Incorporate other healthy snacks and meals throughout the week and you won't just feel better, you'll look better too! 

For a more in depth breakdown of what proteins, carbs and fats to eat and when, check out my Clean Eating: Healthy Lifestyle Guide to Becoming Fit! 

Breakfast

1/2 cup of oatmeal with cinnamon 

4 egg whites

1 whole egg

3/4 cup of berries

Post Workout

1 Serving of Whey Isolate Protein 

5 oz. grilled chicken

4 oz. sweet potato

1 cup of vegetables 

Lunch

5 oz. grilled chicken

1 oz. almonds

1 cup of vegetables

Snack

1 cup of Fage 0% Greek Yogurt

3/4 cup of berries

Dinner

6 oz. grilled chicken 

2/3 cup of quinoa

1 cup of vegetables

Fat Burning Workout // HIIT

High Intensity Interval Training is great for breaking a plateau. They're also great if you're bored with the same old routine workouts. Throw in a HIIT workout every 2 weeks to boost your metabolism and break your routine! 

Stair stepper - 10 minutes

Jump rope - 100 reps

Self Squats - 30 reps

Jump rope - 100 reps

Self squats - 40 reps

Jump rope - 100 reps

Self squats - 50 reps

Jump rope - 100 reps

Self Squats - 60 reps

Inspire Me // November

Here are a few of my favorite things! Say that without singing it! =D

Beginner HIIT // 20 Minute Cardio

High Intensity interval Training

I've talked about this before and shared a few HIIT workouts. I love HIIT more than an awesome CrossFit workout! Great for getting you through a plateau and great for your motivation because - This. Will. Yield. Results. But It will kick your butt first. =]

HIIT can be done with more than just cardio, it applies to lifting as well. Check out my HIIT 100 workouts! 

The Workout:

Warmup with a 5 minute walk

30 second sprint

3 minute jog

30 second sprint

1 minute walk

REPEAT 3x

What HIIT workouts have you tried before?  

No Equipment CrossFit Workout

Move from one exercise to the next without resting.

Jump Squats – 10x

Butterfly Situp -10x

Burpee -10x

Triceps Dip -10x

Lunge Hop – 10x

Pushup – 10x

Complete as many rounds as you can in 15 minutes

OFRA // Sultry Lipgloss

Hi Beauties!

I got my monthly Ipsy bag in the mail last week and this OFRA Lipgloss Plumper is hands down my favorite product from the bunch! If you're not familiar with the Ipsy Bag, I explain how it works HERE! 

So I'm NOT big on color for my lips but we attended a wedding this weekend so I figured I would step out of my comfort zone for once and be bold with this plum shade. Now I'm slightly obsessed with this lip gloss! 

On my face above: Maybelline FIT me! Foundation in shade #220, Elf Clarofying Pressed Powder in 'Light Beige',  Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 'Sun Bronze' Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in 'Hazel', Elf Natural Eyes Beauty Book on my lids, Jesse's Girl Liquid Eye Liner on upper lash line, Wet N Wild eye liner in 'Dark Brown' on lower lash line, Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara in 'Blackest Black', Maybelline Colorsational Lip Stain in 'Plum', Pur Minerals Lip Gloss Stick in 'Berry Pretty' and OFRA Lipgloss Plumper in 'Sultry'.

This lip gloss has a really rich color and lasted most of the night! 

I started out by lining my lips with the Maybelline Colorsational Lip Stain and then moisturized with the Pur Minerals Lipgloss Stick.